Question

I would like to try some over-the-counter medication but all of them caution against being used by asthma sufferers.

Is there an effective treatment for hay fever that asthma sufferers can take?

Answer

These symptoms sound particularly disabling and distressing.

Fortunately, modern treatment is effective and far less sedative than it used to be.

The reason for the cautionary advice about combining hay fever remedies with treatment for asthma is that many of these remedies contain ephedrine or adrenaline-like compounds that can, when associated with salbutamol cause a rapid heart rate or even irregularities.

Two groups of medication that certainly can help and that would not adversely interact with your Ventolin are the anti-histamines and those based on Cromoglycolate.

The first generation anti-histamines such as Chlorpheniramine (Piriton) are effective but fairly sedative.

The second generation ones like Loratidine or Cetirizine are much less sedative and have the advantage of single daily doses.

The second group are based on Cromoglycolate. These act by preventing the release of histamine from the storage cells (mast cells).

For this reason they have to be taken regularly throughout the pollen season.

I am quite sure your local pharmacist will be able to guide you in your choice.

Let us hope you find a treatment that really works for you this year and that we have a fine summer for you to enjoy!

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